reagan. of course, for political junkies, the inauguration is about history. for the rest of us, us fashion junkies it's about what they're going to wear, what will michelle obama wear tonight? i probably should say who will she wear? because one appearance on the first lady can make or break a fashion designer. and no one can tell this story for us like alina cho. >> first lady michelle obama. >> reporter: when first lady michelle obama walked out on stage in that memorable white gown by jason woo, overnight the designer became a household name. take me to that moment where she walked out. >> i was like, that's me! >> reporter: who will be the lucky one for years later? >> it's really brilliant what she's done in keeping it secret, i have to say. in the previous administrations while there was always interest in what the first lady wore there was never a red carpet moment. >> reporter: sources close to the process say what started out as a 20 designer field for the inaugural gown has whittle